Does Your Bathroom Need A Remodel?
Bathrooms are some of the most ‘delicate’ spaces in any home. Unlike other rooms that can be allowed to age a little bit, bathrooms have to be in good shape all year round because they are the hygiene headquarters of any given house. The kitchen holds the same position too. However, let’s focus on the bathroom for now. How do you tell that your bathroom needs some work? Here are a few pointers.
Mold infestation
Bathrooms are highly susceptible to mold due to the water and moisture that is constantly circulating and flowing around its surfaces. The walls and ceilings are especially affected. And because most bathrooms are light in color, the mold stands out like a sore thumb creating an eyesore for all that visit. If this is the case with your bathroom, a fresh coat of paint is past due. Not only that, you may also need to improve air circulation/ventilation in there by maybe installing a larger window.
Cracked, dirty or stained tiles
Most bathrooms are covered in tiles. There are tiles on the floor and there are tiles on the walls. Over time, tiles will show signs of age (or neglect). And it does get to a point where the only solution is to replace them. If your tiles are broken, cracked, or stained, you most probably need to retile the bathroom. The same applies if the grouting on your tiles is chipped, stained or missing in whole. Retiling your bathroom not only gives it a facelift, it also helps prevent water damage behind the walls and underneath the floor.
Poor lighting
No one enjoys taking a shower or a bath in a poorly-lit space. For one, everyone needs good visibility when taking a bath. Secondly, lighting is very important if the bathroom is to be kept clean. And third, great lighting simply makes a bathroom look elegant and chic. If your bathroom has just a single lonely dim bulb or no natural light whatsoever then consider installing modern lighting, improving the flow of natural light, and probably changing the wall décor to allow better light reflection.
Leaky faucets, pipes, shower or shower base
Plumbing is critical for a bathroom. The moment pipes and faucets start to fail the bathroom starts to get dysfunctional. And you don’t want your bathroom getting dysfunctional, whether it’s the toilet, the faucet, or the shower system. Not only can it get unhygienic, messy, and wasteful on water, it can also lead to water damage, rot, mold, algae, termites, and other related issues.
Outdated features
Last but not least, your bathroom needs a remodeling if it has outdated features. It’s very important to keep your décor updated with the times. And in 2019 some features are just too drab to have anymore. For example, if your bathroom still has glass bathroom tiles or that 1960’s green wall paint then it’s time to change it. A bright contemporary theme will immediately transform your space and make you want to spend more time in there.
Say no more when it comes to bathroom remodeling San Diego. Creative Design and Build has got you covered. We will help you choose the right style, source materials, and we’ll manage the entire project from A to Z!
Important Factors To Consider Before Carrying Out A Garage ADU
A garage ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a great way to add a functional space into your home by converting your already existing garage space into something else. If carried out well, a garage ADU can expand the total livable square feet in your home, improve the value of your property, and add to the aesthetics of your home, among many other perks. However, it is not advisable to jump straight into a garage ADU. It’s important that you first weigh these important considerations first.
Your need for a garage space
When you carry out a garage ADU, you essentially get rid of your garage. It ceases to exist and converts into some other space. For that reason, it is important that you carefully consider your need for garage space. After the ADU is completed you won’t be able to reclaim your garage space back. If you plan to buy a car or sell the property in the future you might want to weigh how your ADU will affect that process.
Local building permits
Every local government has strict codes that govern construction and development. And this applies to ADUs as well. It may be illegal, you may need to carry out an inspection first, or you may even need to pay a fee. Your county or state could be an exception if you’re lucky but it is advisable to err on the side of caution. Check with your local building inspector and see what the law says about building your ADU. Your building contractor can also shine some light on this if they have carried out similar work in the area.
Budgetary requirements
Though small, a simple garage ADU could end up gobbling up quite some money before it’s completed. It is important that you tally up the costs diligently. Consult your contractor before you decide to start knocking down walls. Expenses such as insulation, roofing, electrical wiring, and flooring could push the total expenditure further up than you thought.
Construction disruptions to your ordinary life
Another factor that you should consider is how a garage ADU will cause disruptions to your ordinary life at home. For starters, if you have cars or good already under storage inside the garage you will need to clear them out. Then there’s the noise from the construction, the construction waste that will follow, and the possible knocking down of adjacent walls. Be sure that you’re ready for these disruptions and plan for them in advance so that you’re well prepared when the job starts.
Your remaining outdoor space
Last but not least, it’s also important to consider your outdoor space. Before you add another dwelling space to your home, ask yourself whether you’re okay with encroaching onto your remaining outdoor space any further. If you have a very small outdoor space, your garage ADU could take up a small portion of it thereby making it even smaller. However, if you have a huge front lawn then you won’t be as affected.
Creative Design & Build Inc. can help you plan your garage ADU in consideration of all these factors and more. We can also help you with your kitchen remodeling San Diego or bathroom remodeling San Diego project.
Hardscaping: 8 Must-Have Centerpieces for Your Outdoors
A lot of focus is usually given to the kitchen, bathroom, and other intimate spaces of the indoors. However, the outdoors too deserve just as much attention. Although most people spend much of their time indoors hence the status quo, you will realize that if you create beautiful spaces outdoors, you too will spend more time outside. Below we have compiled a list of 8 great centerpieces that can make your outdoors the perfect spot to relax in your home.
- Patio/pergola/gazebo
Every home needs a small outdoor nook where you can just lay back and enjoy the outdoor feel of sunlight and fresh air. Patios are a great way to make this happen while creating that alluring indoor-outdoor ambience. You could also change this up a bit and have your contractor build a pergola or a gazebo as well. All of these serve the same purpose and are fairly alike in design.
- A deck
A deck is a very simple (yet significant) addition for your home. It adds to the beauty of your outdoors while increasing the total livable space available to you. Whether on the front porch or the backyard, a deck will increase your home’s value while providing a great platform to host parties, relax, or have meals with your family.
- Swimming pool
Everyone loves a swimming pool. And out here in California, a swimming pool is a great way to cool off on sunny afternoons. A swimming pool is also a great recreational pastime for kids. And on the flipside, it’s the perfect spot to host weekend parties for your friends.
- Outdoor jacuzzi
if your outdoors is too small to fit a swimming pool you can still enjoy some fun time in the water by installing a jacuzzi. Small units designed for two people are great for just you and your partner to share romantic nights in. But if you want something bigger, you can install larger units that can accommodate up to 12 people easily. These are great for large families or casual get-togethers with friends.
- A fire pit
You can never go wrong with a fire pit. It’s adds warmth, character, and a pinch of romance to your outdoors. You can have one on the patio, deck or by the pool. Not only are they low maintenance, they are also quite affordable to have installed.
- Water fountain
If you enjoy eccentric tastes then a water fountain would be a good addition for you. You can have one installed on your deck, in the back garden, or by the pool. Some standalone fountains are quite affordable and don’t even need any installation whatsoever!
- A bar
Love hosting great parties at your residence? If you do then installing a bar out back would be the perfect way to take things to the next level and impress your neighbors. It’s also quite convenient when hosting guests because they can grab drinks without having to pop in and out of the kitchen.
- Tree house
If you have kids then this one will send them over the moon with excitement. You can have it built as small or large as needed. It’s a small project that can be completed in just a weekend. Not only will your kids love to show it to their buddies, it will get them out of the house more.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Roofing Material For Your House
The market today offers a huge variety of roofing materials. One gets to choose between asphalt shingles, metal tiles, plastic polymer tiles, slate tiles and concrete tiles. However, with so many options to choose from, the ordinary person may find it hard trying to choose the right roofing material that suits their needs. To help with that, we have compiled for you the ultimate guide to choosing the right roofing material.
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Asphalt Shingles
What are they made of?
Asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass or organic paper fiber that is infused with asphalt then finally coated with mineral granules.
How do they look like?
Asphalt shingles present themselves as sets of 3 traditional tiles. The thicker ones are known as architectural, and are best for snow-prone areas.
Are they environmental friendly?
Asphalt shingles are oil-based, which is not environmentally friendly. They however, can be recycled and utilized in landfills.
What are they best for?
Asphalt shingles are best used on steep sloping roofs. They are also preferred in regions prone to wild fires such as California because they are fire resistant.
What are the costs?
Asphalt shingles are among the cheapest roofing material you can find. The actual cost, however, may differ depending on where you are purchasing them from.
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Metal tiles
What are they made of?
Metal tiles are available in different materials including zinc alloy, steel, aluminum and copper. To ensure durability, steel roofs are coated with zinc or a paint finish that prevents rusting.
How do they look like?
Metal tiles are presented as tiles or sheets. Once installed, they are fastened with exposed or concealed fasteners.
Are they environmental friendly?
Metal tiles are made from recycled materials. They absorb less heat compared to asphalt shingles.
What are they best for?
Metal tiles work perfectly on both steep and low roofs. They are also the best for regions that are prone to fires and harsh winds.
What are the costs?
Steel metal tiles cost less than copper metal tiles. They are generally more expensive than asphalt shingles.
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Plastic Polymer tiles
What are they made of?
These are synthetic tiles made from high-tech plastic polymers.
How do they look like?
Plastic polymer tiles resemble wood or slate. The appearance varies depending on the type and intensity of mold after long use.
Are they environmental friendly?
The high-tech plastic polymer can easily be recycled and replaced.
What are they best for?
Plastic polymer is best for moderate to steep roofs due to their heavy long-lasting nature.
What are the costs?
They are more expensive compared to asphalt shingles and steel metal tiles.
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Concrete tiles
What are they made of?
They are made of a compounded mixture of sand and cement. They are really good fire resistant material.
How do they look like?
Concrete tiles look like normal slate, clay or wood tiles. The difference is in the texture. After installation, you may paint whichever color you desire.
Are they environmental friendly?
Concrete tiles are made from natural materials (sand & cement). No adverse effects have been related to concrete tiles.
What are they best for?
They are heavy, making them ideal for steeper inclined roof designs.
What are the costs?
Concrete tiles are slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, but less expensive compared to metal tiles.
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Slate tiles
What are they made of?
They are made from normal slate which unfortunately makes them fragile and quite expensive. They are however durable and fire resistant.
How do they look like?
Slate tiles are usually dark grey in color, with an irregular yet appealing appearance.
Are they environmentally friendly?
Slates are made from natural material, making them recyclable.
What are they best for?
Slates are best used only on steep sloping roofs.
What are the costs?
Slate tiles are the most expensive roofing materials. They, however, are among the most long-lasting roofing materials.